2012 NBA Playoffs: Josh Smith’s Double-Double Powers Atlanta Hawks Past Boston Celtics 83-74 to Win Game 1 – Recap & Full Game Report

Final Thoughts:

The key to Game 1’s victory was that great start. The staff here at SDS recently posted a 5-on-5 preview for the series and for the question “What’s the most important thing the Hawks need to do in order to win” .. I said closeout games.

Boston is experienced, we know this, we know they’re going to make a few runs in the game and make it tight coming down the stretch, but we can’t flinch!

Hawks did a great job of stopping the Celtic’s runs and holding their composure in crunch time.

The biggest knock on Atlanta, aside from injuries, has been inexperience. The Hawks were always known as the team with youth coming up through the ranks that couldn’t get past the second round but they can’t be seen as such any longer if they want to win the championship. Their core of Johnson, Smith, Williams and Horford have been together for over four years now — although a newly full-time starter — Teague is in his third year, this is now a veteran team.

They need to play with the mindset that they are an elite team — they certainly have elite talent.

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Upcoming Match-Up:

Game 2: Tuesday, May 1 vs BOS – 7:30 (ET) — SPSO HD/NBA TV/98.9 FM

ROUND ONE SCHEDULE (** if necessary)

Friday, May 4 @ Bos – 7:30 (ET) — SPSO HD/ESPN2/98.9 FM
Sunday, May 6 @Bos – 7:00 (ET) — SPSO HD/TBD/98.9 FM
Tuesday, May 8 vs BOS – TBD ** — SPSO HD/TBD/98.9 FM
Thursday, May 10 @Bos – TBD ** — SPSO HD/TBD/98.9 FM
Saturday, May 12 vs BOS – TBD ** — SPSO HD/TNT/98.9 FM

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